Best End-of-Summer Travel Deals

Summer officially ends with the autumnal equinox on September 22, but it’s not too late for a family vacation. Even if you already went on a summer vacation, out-of-this-world deals at the season’s end can open up some bonus time to wiggle your toes in the sand, hike forest trails or wake up to panoramic views that go on for miles. Check out some of the best places to travel as we bid goodbye to summer holidays.

Take an Alaska Cruise

It’s exciting to find rooms with a view for under $100 per night, but it’s even better when the package includes meals, activities and breathtaking scenery. Alaska is one of the best places to travel during the fall equinox, when you can snag a discount travel cruise aboard the Emerald Princess.

The Inside Passage with Tracy Arm Fjord on Princess Cruises serves up seven nights cruising the Alaska coast from Seattle to Skagway. The cruise meanders through inland waterways that take you past immense glaciers, tumbling waterfalls and towering forests. Look for the travel deal on Cruises.com and enjoy bonus offers such as $750 to spend on drinks, dining and more.

Feel Like It’s Summer Again

If you’re dreading the arrival of crisp autumn nights that herald winter’s eventual onslaught, head south of the border to Cancun’s endless summer. The area is one of the best places to visit during the equinox as summer crowds are long gone and holiday travelers won’t arrive for months.

Check out Apple Vacations’ fall vacation deals to Mexico. Stay three nights at the Ocean Coral and Turquesa by H10 with air travel and meals included for just $549. The beachfront resort makes it easy to think you’re on summer vacation with its crystal-clear waters, warm white sand and sparkling pool surrounded by towering palms and green lawns.

The Apple Vacations package includes $100 in resort credit that you can use for upgrades, spa treatments or wine. Enjoy the included meals at nine onsite restaurants offering everything from American favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers to international cuisine. Flights leave from Philadelphia on Frontier Airlines.

Escape to a Tropical Island

In a recent poll by Promo Codes for You, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands topped the list of places Americans rank as the best vacation spots of 2017. If money has been stopping you, a fall equinox journey is the most affordable.

And although the autumnal equinox falls during hurricane season, the chances of a direct hit during the week of September 22 are small. For instance, Nassau, Bahamas, has only seen one tropical storm during that week since 1944, none of which elevated to hurricane force. Kingston, Jamaica, and Little Cayman in the Cayman Islands both have had no storms that week since 1944.

Enjoy discounted room rates through the travel site goSeek such as $50 per night at Naturesview Castle B&B in Kingston, $87 per night at Paradise Villas in Little Cayman or $73 per night at Coco Plum Resorts Bahamas at Cable Beach in Nassau.

Catch Some Early Leaf Peeping

Although autumn colors peak during October throughout much of the country, the autumnal equinox is the perfect time to check out an explosion of color in Colorado. Get a great view of one of the largest aspen stands in the state at Buena Vista whose name, incidentally, means “good view.”

Snuggle in with your sweetie among the golden aspens for $110 per night in the Little Beaver cabin in Buena Vista, and enjoy views looking out over Rainbow Lake. Or, take a group to go leaf peeping. Rainbow Lake Resort has cabins that sleep up to six people for around $160 per night — that’s less than $27 per person, per night.

Head for the Dry Heat

Desert destinations roll out low summer rates through the end of August, but you can still find a few cheap travel prices in some of the best vacation spots through September. The worst of the summer heat and monsoon weather has passed, but it’s still warm enough that water parks, poolside cabanas and air-conditioned venues feel great.

Hike red rock trails or gaze up at towering russet formations from your patio or balcony at Bell Rock Inn in Sedona, Ariz., for $101 nightly when you sign up to be a Travelzoo member. The area rolls out a host of fall equinox events including drumming circles, equinox celebrations and wine and a creekside farmer’s market with tons of free things to do. Grab this sweet deal on Travelzoo’s website.

Grab a Golf Getaway

September rolls out last minute deals on golf packages that will let you enjoy the sport without dipping deep in your pocket. Spend your days knocking a few balls around the course in picturesque vacation spots and sinking back into comfy accommodations at night. Look for the best end-of-season deals in states where snow will put golfing season on pause in a few months.

Book a Stay and Play golf package at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., for as little as $99 per night. Dedicate long days to your sport: Unlimited golf cart use and golfing at Cold Water Canyon Golf Course are free. The resort throws in a free lunch and a 10 percent discount at the pro shop to boot. Get the deal on the Chula Vista resort website using the promo code “GOLF” through November 1.

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